I am here to share ideas to reach all learners, building on student strengths and successes to empower active, independent learners. By utilizing strategies to excite, inspire and engage students, we can make a difference.

Monday, July 26, 2010

So You've Got a Great Idea? Want to Get it Published?

I've been thinking lately about the process of getting my book published and wondering if it might be helpful to share that journey with those I connect with around the world. My rationale and motive: to inspire and encourage others to pursue their writing dreams!

I was about to write a post or do a podcast, my new favorite way of communicating, but then realized that I might not talk about what people really want to know. So, then, of course, my tangential mind thought of Voicethread as a way to collect your questions!

Here's how to ask away: either click the voicethread and post a comment there with voice or type, or leave your question here in the comments section. I will read all of the questions and do my best to address them when I record an upcoming podcast.

I look forward to sharing with you. Also, if you are a published author, please chime in and share your experiences! Thanks for visiting!

I am really glad you are taking questions on this topic. I was just talking to a friend today on how to find someone who might mentor or help find a publisher/give ideas/ share their knowledge on this very topic!

I have a LOT of questions on this topic.

First, I'd like to know, if you have an idea, and you start to write the book, what format should you be writing in? If you are using Microsoft Word, should you add pictures, bold face words, italics, use a specific font?

Second, how do you find a publisher? Do you sell the idea first or have a completed product to show someone? How do you even begin to contact someone? (Especially when you live in a suburb of Cleveland!)

Third, I've been given advice to start by "self-publishing." To me, this doesn't seem like a great idea. Advice?

Lastly, advice on how to work on, promote, contact a publisher, etc. during the school year???

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About Me

I am a middle school teacher after teaching Kindergarten/1st grade and 4th grade for many years. I work/teach in northern California in the San Francisco Bay area. I have an M.A. in Clinical Psychology and I am passionate about helping kids discover their strengths and become excited about learning. I also work as a 1:1 coach/tutor with kids who struggles with learning due to challenges like ADHD, depression, executive functioning issues, Asperger's and Dyslexia. I learn more and more each day from them as I see them build their awareness and confidence that they "can learn" when given both strategies that work for them along with validation that everyone learns "their way."